Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles

Why This Works for Intermittent Fasting

Shrimp is a lean, fast-digesting protein that pairs perfectly with the butter and olive oil in a classic scampi sauce, giving you satiety without heaviness — ideal for opening an eating window after a fast. Swapping pasta for zucchini noodles keeps net carbs low while still delivering the same comforting, garlicky dish, and the whole thing comes together in under 25 minutes.

Ingredients

For the shrimp scampi:

• 400g (about 1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

For the zucchini noodles:

• 3 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the zucchini noodles: Spiralize the zucchini and lay the noodles on a paper towel with a pinch of salt for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry.

2. Season the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.

3. Cook the shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.

4. Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

5. Combine: Return the shrimp to the pan, add the lemon juice, and toss to coat. Cook for another minute until everything is warmed through.

6. Cook the zucchini noodles: In a separate pan, heat the tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté the zucchini noodles for 1–2 minutes just until slightly softened — avoid overcooking, as they release water quickly.

7. Plate and serve: Divide the zucchini noodles between two plates, top with the garlic butter shrimp and sauce, and finish with chopped parsley.

Nutrition Per Serving

Fasting Compatibility

This dish is light enough to be a comfortable fast-breaking meal but protein-dense enough to carry satiety into the next fasting window, making it a good fit for 16:8 or 18:6 protocols. The quick cook time also makes it practical for weeknight eating windows when you don't have much time to prepare food.

Related Recipes

• Grilled prawns with garlic butter and asparagus
• King prawns in garlic chilli butter
• Zucchini noodles with beef bolognese

This recipe is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making dietary changes, especially if you have an existing health condition.